Survey shows record high support for deliberating nuclear power in Estonia

TALLINN - A survey commissioned by Fermi Energia AS, a company planning to establish a nuclear power plant in Estonia, shows the highest-ever support in the country to the adoption of nuclear energy.

According to the study conducted by pollster Kantar Emor, 69 percent of respondents support deliberating the use of a new generation nuclear power plant, with 39 percent being firm supporters.

When respondents were asked which form of electricity production they would like to see in Estonia, considering that electricity production from oil shale is being reduced, 59 percent said that they believe nuclear energy is worth developing in Estonia, with 53 percent also being supportive towards wind energy and 49 percent towards solar energy.

The key advantages seen in the development of nuclear energy are ensuring the security of electricity supply in all weather conditions, which was mentioned by 65 percent of the respondents, lower electricity prices, 54 percent, economic development, 33 percent, and reduction of carbon emissions, 26 percent. The main disadvantages mentioned are related to the storage of nuclear waste, pointed out by 66 percent, the risk of accidents, 51 percent, and the lack of specialized knowledge in Estonia, also 51 percent.

Respondents were also asked if they would like the parliament to vote in favor of adopting nuclear energy and creating the necessary capabilities for the country. 61 percent answered "yes," 20 percent said "no," and 19 percent were undecided.

Broken down by party preference, supporters of all parties are either in favor or rather in favor of considering a nuclear power plant. Support to nuclear energy is above average among supporters of the Reform Party, Estonia 200, the Right-wingers, Estonian Conservative People's Party (EKRE) and Isamaa.

The survey involved 1,155 people. Fermi Energia has been commissioning studies on attitudes towards the adoption of nuclear energy regularly since 2019.